The sister of a man shot dead by police in Hull is still trying find out what her brother did to warrant such 'drastic action'.

Lewis Skelton, 31, died as a result of two gunshot wounds after being shot by a police officer in Francis Street in the city centre at 9.30am on November 29, last year.

Police were initially called to Holderness Road after reports of a man carrying an axe in the area. He was tasered before being shot and later died of his injuries in Hull Royal Infirmary.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating Mr Skelton's death but friends have launched a Facebook appeal for more information.

But the family now say they want any information to be provided through official channels.

Police at the scene of the shooting

Mr Skelton's sister Laura said: "We know there have been efforts from friends of Lewis to call for people to come forward on social media, which have been appreciated as it is very nice to know there are others out there, like us, who want to get to the bottom of exactly what happened that morning.

"However, for the investigation to be conducted properly and thoroughly we need information to be provided either to our legal team to investigate on the family's behalf, or to the IPCC who are gathering evidence into what happened that day, and considering the police's response to the situation.

"We know it would have been completely out of character for Lewis to do anything to make people feel at threat or to warrant such drastic action from the police that morning, so it is vitally important that anyone with any new information comes forward. We feel we must find the answers for Lewis."

Lawyers acting for the family have also urged potential witnesses to contact either their own legal specialists or the IPCC as investigations continue.

Andrew Petherbridge, a lawyer at the legal firm, said: "We are still at the initial stages of the ongoing investigation as to the full events of the morning in which Lewis was fatally shot.

"It is imperative that any new information, no matter how small, be provided directly to the people investigating the circumstances of that day, either by contacting ourselves at Hudgell Solicitors, or by contacting the IPCC."

Mr Skelton's family have informed investigators that he suffered from a mental health condition, and the IPCC recovered the weapons used on the morning, as well as searching Mr Skelton's flat in Durham Street.

It has previously revealed that a post-mortem examination showed Mr Skelton died from gunshot wounds.

Close friend Eddy Barby told the Mail about the Facebook page he was setting up to allow further witness to come forward.

He said: "The IPCC have got witnesses to come forward but there are still more people we need to hear from.

"I'm not against the police at all, but we think what they did that day was wrong, and we want to find out the full story. We want justice for Lewis."

The dramatic events in November unfolded close to Mr Skelton's home in Durham Street when police were called to Holderness Road, near the Post Office, at 9.20am. He was later tracked down by police near Freetown Way, where he was seen with an axe.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is continuing its investigation into Mr Skelton's death

A spokesman told the Mail: "Our independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Lewis Skelton is progressing well.

"We have gathered accounts from officers involved. We have spoken to a significant number of members of the public who came forward after witnessing events that morning, and are grateful for their assistance."

Anyone with information they believe could be relevant to the IPCC investigation can contact the IPCC by emailing witness@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0800 096 9071.